Traveler replacing apparatus and method



June 29, 1965 E. E. EUREY 3,191,284

TRAVELER REPLACING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed April 18, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 29, 1965 E. E. EUREY 3,191,234

TRAVELER REPLACING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed April 18, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. EbWARb E. EUREY ATTORNEY 3 June 29, 1965 E. E. EUREY 3,191,284

TRAVELER REPLACING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed April 18, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR: EDWARD E. EUEEY f1 g-b BY QQZWQQMALQHMR ATTORNEYS June 29, 1965 E. E. EUREY 3,191,284

TRAVELER REPLACING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed April 18, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 29, 1965 E. E. EUREY 3,191,234

TRAVELER REPLACING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed April 18, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 F EbWARb E. EUREY BY b a ATTORNEYS June 29, 1965 E. E. EUREY 3,191,284

TRAVELER REPLACING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed April 18, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 10s 1e lOl 102 40 INVENTOR.

F E'bWAEb E. EUEEY sy t ww fw ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,191,284 TRAVELER REPLACING APPARATUS AND METHOD Edward E. Eurey, Newberry, S.C., assignor to Excel, Ina, Lincolnton, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Apr. 18, 1962, Ser. No. 183,506 26 Claims. (Cl. 29-401) The present invention relates to yarn processing machines and more particularly to an apparatus and method for rapidly replacing travelers on the rings of such machines.

! In the yarn processing machines to which the present invention relates, i.e., spinning and twisting machines, a

plurality of rings are carried by a ring rail and have spindles extending axially therethrough which normally carry yarn winding bobbins upon which the processed yarn is wound. These rings are commonly provided with devices which are known in the art as travelers under which yarn is guided during processing. These travelers are relatively small semi-circular or C-shaped in cross section and are usually formed of a hard brittle metal. Opposite ends of the travelers embrace the flange of the ring for being carried thereby. The yarn being processed is normally threaded under one of these travelers prior to being wound upon the bobbin and as the spindle, and hence the bobbin, rotates, the traveler moves in a circular path around the ring to impart twist to the yarn.

It can readily be appreciated that due to the sliding movement of the travelers around the rings the same become worn and must be frequently replaced. Also, the characteristics of the yarn being processed on the machine will dictate the particular type or size of traveler to be used. Therefore, it is quite often necessary to change the travelers on the rings to provide a different type or size of traveler as dictated by the characteristics of the yarn to be processed.

Heretofore, it has been the practice in replacing travelers for any of the aforementioned reasons for an operator to move along the yarn processing machine and to sequentially remove the traveler from each of the rings on at least one side of the machine. This operator usually utilizes a manually operable tool which usually takes the form of a hammer, with which the operator strikes each of the travelers a sharp blow to break the traveler and allow the pieces to fall from the ring. Another conventional tool which is presently in use comprises a hook member which is inserted under the traveler and removes the traveler from the ring when the operator exerts a sharp pull or jerk thereon. Still another conventional apparatus comprises a plier type tool having jaws which are inserted under the traveler and are spread apart to spring the opposite ends of the traveler away from each other so that the traveler is either broken or may be lifted from the ring.

' After the operator has removed all of the travelers from the rings of at least one side of the yarn processing machine in one trip therealong, it has heretofore been necessary that he again move along the yarn processing machine or make a second trip therealong and sequentially mount another traveler on each of the rings thereof. In mounting the new travelers on the rings, the operator utilizes a separate traveler mounting tool, of which there are several different types.

Problems have been encountered in the use of the conventional traveler removing devices. In this regard, the conventional traveler removing tools require that the operator manually position the traveler to be removed. Also the tools require that the operator exercise considerable skill in removing the traveler to insure that the ring is not damaged and the yarn is not broken. In the use 3,191,284 katented June 29, 1965 of the hammer for removing travelers, the operator must strike the traveler and not the ring since the ring would be pitted or otherwise damaged if struck by the hammer and would have to be replaced. Also, the operator has to utilize consider-able skill to insure that he strikes the traveler with sufiicient force to break the same without damaging the flange of the ring therebeneath and without breaking the yarn threaded thereunder.

In the use of the hook and plier type tools, the operator must insert the tool into the traveler which is very small and which has the flange of the ring and the yarn therein. It can be appreciated that this was a very tedious and time consuming operation resulting in both mental and physical fatigue of the operator.

It can be appreciated that the use of these conventional traveler removing tools results in a high operating cost for the yarn processing machines because these tools require skilled operators who require considerable training and are paid high wages. Also, the replacement of damaged rings and waste caused by broken yarn has increased the maintenance cost and hence the overhead.

The use of these conventional traveler mounting tools is also very time consuming, since the supply of travelers which may be contained thereby is very limited and must be frequently replenished. In these devices, the supply of travelers is normally contained by a bar or Wire and the travelers must be manually threaded thereon in stacked relation and in properly oriented position to replenish the supply when the same is depleted. It can readily be appreciated that this operation is very tedious and involves considerable time and eifort due to the very small size of the travelers and results in undue mental and physical fatigue on the part of the operator.

Another difliculty which has been encountered in the use of these prior traveler mounting tools is the necessity that the operator manually position the yarn relative to the ring with one hand and mount the new traveler on the ring over the thusly positioned yarn with the other hand. This manner of positioning the yarn and using the traveler mounting tool results in considerable fatigue on the part of the operator, and is also quite time consuming.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for removing travelers from the rings of a yarn processing machine and for mounting new travelers on the rings, which apparatus may be operated and which method may be performed by an unskilled operator in a single trip along the side of the machine, thus avoiding the necessity of a skilled operator making two separate trips as has been the case heretofore.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus wherein the yarn passing underneath the travelers to be removed may be utilized for positioning the travelers at a predetermined position for ready removal thereof, and wherein each of the new travelers is mounted on the rings with the yarn properly positioned thereunder. 7

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide an apparatus which can be readily moved from one ring to the next by an operator for quickly replacing travelers on the rings, and wherein the apparatus has a magazine for containing a large number of travelers in loose, disarranged form therein, and wherein means are provided for sequentially feeding the travelers in properly oriented position to a traveler mounting means.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a unitary device for replacing travelers on the rings of textile processing machines wherein the ring rail in which the rings are carried serves to guidingly receive the device and to readily permit the same to be moved along the rail from one ring to the next, and wherein means are provided for 7 along line 9-9 in FIGURE 8;

adjusting the traveler replacing components thereof to in- 7 sure correct positioning thereof relative to the rings to thereby permit the device to readily be used on a wide provide apparatus readily manipulated by anoperator for replacing travelers wherein means are providedfor positioning the travelers to be removed ata predetermined point on the ring, whereupon means are provided'for imparting a blow of predetermined substantially constant force to the travelers for dislodging the same from the rings, and means are provided for positioning new travelers on the rings, while additional means so guide the yarn that the'rings are positioned thereover.- V V 1 Some of the objects .ofthe invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in

whichg a V FIGURE 1 isa plan view'ofthe apparatusof the present invention shown in operativ'e'positionlon-a portion of the ring rail. ofja; yarn processing machine;

[FIGURE 2 is a transverse vertical sectiontaken substantiallyc along line 22 in FIGURE 1;

7 FIGURE 3 is an isometric view, looking in the direc-j tion of the arrowf3 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is an isometric 'detail ofa portion of the, apparatus corresponding to that: shown in, the medial por'- tion of FIGURE 3: with portions broken away for clarity andshowi'ng parts thereofin different operational posi tions; 7

guide25 mounted on the yarn processing machine (not shown) above the upper end of the bobbin B and then beneath a traveler T disposed on ring 24. Yarn Y then passes to bobbin B onto which the same is wound by rotation of the bobbin by a spindle (not shown) of the yarn processing machine.

edge thereof and portions of reducedthickness in which the openings 35 areformed A positioning member 36 is mounted on the bottom portion of each of the leg portions 33 and 34- and depends downwardly therefrom. Positioning members 36 have cut out portions in one side therof'corresponding to the cut out portions of leg portions 33'and 34 except that these cut out portions are in the inner surface of positioning members 36. Positioning members 36 are mounted on theelongate openings 35 and penetrating through suitable FIGURE 5 is an, enlarged transverse vertical section takenv substantially along line-'55 in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 6' is a transverse section taken substantially along line 66 in FIGURE 5; V I

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail of the traveler supplying mechanism of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

openings, formed in the positioning: members 36. Bolts 37 have knurled nuts 37a mounted thereon and nuts 37a have collar portions 37b which'are adapted to be moved into engagement with positioning members 36 to releasably clamp the positioning members in adjusted position. It is noted that the positioning members 36 are of a width less than leg portions 33 and 34 such that the leg portions v extend outwardly therefrom to provide a -shoulder on FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan detailfof:

the traveler controlling mechanism shown in th e medial portion of'FIGI-JRE 1 with the cover plate'removed and with portions shown in section;

" FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary section taken substantially FIGURE 10 is a view similar to FIGURE FIGURE l3 is a view similarto FIGURE 11 showing the elements in the positions-- shown in FIGURE 12'; V

' FIGURE 14'is a sectional detail of a portion of the apparatus corresponding totlie portion shown in the a V I 8 but ona reduced scale showing some of the elementsin different,

lower portion of FIGURE- 5 with some of the elements shown in different operational positions; a

FIGURES'lS through 18 are enlarged" fragmentary details of the structure shown in the left hand portion of FIGURE 21 is a transverse sectiontaken substantially along line 21-21 in FIGURE 5 and FIGURE 22 is a transverse section taken along line 22'22 in FIGURE 14.

Referring now to the drawings and substantially more particularly to FIGURE 1, there'isshown a ring rail-23 of a yarn processing machine (not shown) A plurality of rings'24 which apparatus 30 may rest when the same is positioned on ring rail 23. a

A bracket member 40 is mounted at opposite ends by any suitable means (not shown) on leg portion 33, 34 and extends 'therebetween.- Bracket member 40 has a longitudinally' extending elongate opening 41 formed therein which receivesja block 42 having flanges on the sides there-l of which contact the lower surface of bracket member 40. A positioning finger 43 is mounted'on bracket member 40 by a thumb screw 44iwhich penetrates, through an elongate opening 45 formedin positioning finger 43 and into an internallyth'readed opening formed in block 42. It is noted that thumb screw 44 and block- 42 cooperate to r'elea-sably clamp positioning finger '43" to bracket member 40 and elongate openings 41and 45 allow adjustment of the positioning finger '43 both" longitudinally and laterally of'bracket member 40., Positioning finger 4 3 has a bifurcated portion 46 formed at its outer end which includes legs 46a, 46b which are adapted to receive ring 24 on ring rail 23 therebetween to insure that apparatus 30 is correctly positioned relative 'to ring 24. Positioning members 36 are adjustable in'the manner aforementioned to insure correct positioning of the apparatus 30 laterally I of =r'ingrail 23relative'tolring 24 and positioningfinger I 7 portion 32' which receive suitable screws 52. Handled!) 7 includes hand grips 53 which are suitably contoured to fit 43' insures bothjlongitudinal' and lateral aline'ment'of the the hand of an operator and {are mounted on opposite are mounted on; ring rail 23and 'have bobbinsB shown:

in phantom lines, extending axially therethrough' for winding yarn'Y thereon. The yarnY extends through a yarn sides'rof frame 51'. Itis noted that handle 50 serves for manual positioning and holding of the apparatus 30 in operative position 'on ringrail 23adjacent' ring '24.

Portion 51a of handle frame 51'has avbearing 54 formed 4 integrally therewith or mounted thereon and projecting upwardly therefrom. A shaft 55 is journaled in bearing 54 at its lower end and extends upwardly therefrom. A collar 56 is fixed to the upper end of shaft 55 by a lock screw 57 for rotation therewith. A yarn tensioning finger 60 is mounted on collar 56 at one end and extends outwardly therefrom and has the outer end portion thereof disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the remaining portion to provide a yarn receiving pocket for receipt of the yarn Y therein. This pocket prevents the yarn Y from sliding off the free end of yarn tensioning finger 60 when the same is moved thereagainst. It is noted that yarn tensioning finger 60 is sufliciently flexible so that the same will bend when the tension in yarn Y reaches a certain point. In this regard, the inner end portion of finger 60 is coiled around shaft 55 to provide greater flexibility to prevent breaking of the yarn.

A pinion gear 61 (FIGURE 2) is drivingly mounted on the lower end of shaft 55 below bearing portion 54 and has the teeth thereof disposed in mating relation with the teeth on a rack 62 slidably mounted in an elongate opening 63 formed in portion 51a of handle 50. Rack 62 terminates in a forked portion 64 which receives the upper end of a trigger 65 and is pivotally connected thereto by a pivot pin 66. Trigger 65 is pivotally mounted on frame 51 of handle 50 by a pivot pin 67 and has a portion extending through a suitable slot formed in frame 51 downwardly to an exposed posit-ion when trigger 65 is in inoperative position. This portion of trigger 65 is adapted to be engaged by the finger of the operator using the apparatus for pivoting trigger 65 about its pivot and thereby sliding rack 62 in the elongate opening 63. Trigger 65 has a shoulder 68 formed thereon and a spring member 69 is mounted between shoulder 68 and frame 51 of handle 50 for biasing trigger 65 about its pivot 67 to the inoperative position.

Leg portion 34 has a projection 70 (FIGURE 3) formed on the side thereof adjacent ring 24 when apparatus 30 is in position on ring rail 23. A hammer 71 (FIGURE 5) is pivotally mounted on the lower portion of projection 70 by a pivot pin 72. Hammer 71 has a head portion 71a normally disposed in slightly spaced overlying relation to the upper surface of the flange of ring 24 when the apparatus 30 is in position on ring rail 23. Hammer '71 has a rear portion 71b extending outwardly from pivot pin 72 on the opposite side from head portion 71a for reason to be presently described. A torsion spring 73 (FIG- URE 20) is mounted on pivot pin 72 and is connected at one end to projection 70 and at the other end to hammer 71. A stop pin 74 is mounted on projection 70 and extends outwardly into overlying relation to rear portion 71b of hammer 71. Stop pin 74 serves as a stop to limit the pivotal movement of hammer 71 in a counterclockwise direction (FIGURE 5) about pivot pin 72 or to limit the downward movement of head portion 71a so that head portion 71a travels downwardly a sufficient distance to strike and break a traveler disposed therebeneath but will normally be held in slightly spaced relation to the upper surface of the ring to prevent head portion 71a from contacting the flange of the ring when apparatus 30 is being positioned on ring rail 23. Spring 73 biases hammer 71 about pivot pin 72 toward this normal or first position.

A first yarn positioning member 75 (FIGURE 3) is mounted on projection 70 at one end and has a first portion 75a extending outwardly and rearwardly from projection 70 toward leg portion 33. Yarn positioning member 75 has a second portion 7 5b smoothly curving forwardly and downwardly from its point of connection with "portion 75a and a third portion 75c smoothly curving rearwardly and upwardly from its point of connection with portion 75b and then downwardly at its free end portion. It is noted that the juncture point of portions 75a and 75b defines a yarn receiving pocket which is adapted to receive the vertical portion of the yarn Y therein when the traveler T is removed from the ring 24. It is also noted that the juncture point of portions 75b and 75c is disposed inwardly of and at a lower elevation than the top of ring 24 and that portion 75c defines a second yarn receiving pocket which is disposed above ring 24 when apparatus 30 is in operative position and is adapted to receive the horizontal portion of the yarn Y therein when the traveler T is removed. It is further noted that portion 75b is of such a configuration that when the tensioned yarn is re ceived in the pocket defined by portion 750, the vertical portion of the yarn will be cammed into the pocket defined by the juncture point of portions 75a and 75!).

A traveler positioning wand 76 has a substantially horizontal portion 76a which is mounted on the lower surface of top portion 32 and extends outwardly therefrom and a substantially vertical portion 76b extending downwardly from portion 76a to a point at a lower elevation than the top of ring 24. It is noted that wand 76 is positioned on the opposite side of hammer member 71 from projection '70 and closely adjacent thereto and is disposed in engagement with the side ring 24 when apparatus 30 is in position on ring rail 23 to serve as a stop for the traveler T to position the same beneath head portion 71a of hammer 71 for removal thereby.

A second handle '80 (FIGURE 1) including a frame 81 and suitable grips 82'. mounted on frame '81 is mounted on leg portion 34 by a pin 83 (FIGURE 5) which penetrates through an elongate opening 84 formed in the frame 81. The elongate opening 84 allows both pivotal and sliding movement of handle relative to leg portion 34. A spring 85 (FIGURE 21) is mounted in a recess formed in frame 81 at one end of elongate opening 84 and engages pin 83 for biasing handle 80 to inoperative position or to the right as seen in FIGURE 1.

An actuating member (FIGURE 5) for actuating hammer 71 is pivotally mounted on frame 81 of handle 30 by a pivot pin 91 for pivotal movement relative thereto. Actuating member 90 includes a projecting portion 90a extending rearwardly from pivot pin 91 and overlying a shoulder 92 formed on the frame 81 of handle 80 which serves to limit the clockwise pivotal movement of actuating member 90. The other end of actuating member 90 is tapered to form a point or end portion 9% with upper and lower converging surfaces. A leaf spring 93 (FIG- URE 20) is mounted at one end on frame 81 by a screw @4 and extends outwardly and downwardly therefrom into engagement with the portion 90a of actuating member 50. Spring 93 serves to bias member 90 about pin 91 in a clockwise direction (FIGURE 5) or in such a direction that portion 90a is normally urged into engagement with shoulder 92. j

A traveler mounting member (FIGURE 5) is pivotally mounted on frame 81 of handle 80 by a pivot pin 101 for pivotal movement thereabout. A leaf spring 102 is mounted at one end on the upper sunface of frame 81 by a screw 103 and engages the upper surface of traveler mounting member 100 at the other end outwardly of pivot pin 101. A second leaf spring 104 is mounted on the bottom surface of frame 81 by a screw 105 and engages the bottom surface of traveler mounting member 100 outwardly of pivot pin 10!. It is noted that springs 102 and 104 normally hold member 100 in static position but allow limited movement thereof. Member 100 terminates at its outer end in a head portion 100a which has the under surface thereof contoured substantially the same as the shape of a portion of a traveler. The contoured portion of head portion 100a is adapted to receive a traveler thereagainst to position the same for mounting on ring 24.

A downwardly opening housing 106 is mounted on the head portion 1001: of member 100 by screws 107 and has an open bottom end of a width greater than the thickness of head portion 100a. A plate member 110 is slidably mounted in housing 106 and extends downwardly through the open bottom end between one side wall thereof and head portion 100a of traveler mounting member 100. The

' wall 123 of the compartment 127.

upper portion of plate 110 is formed into a laterally ing 166 to bias plate member 110 downwardly and flange 6X-' tending flange 11 1 which extends in overlying relation to the top surface of the head portion 190a to limit the downward movement of plate 110. A compression spring 112 is positioned between flange 1 11 and the top wall of hous- 111 toward engagement withthe'top surface of head portion 100a. The bottom edge of plate member 110 has a downwardly opening recess 11-3 formed therein which is adapted to receive the yarn therein when traveler I mounting member 100 is moved into engagement with ring 24. It isnoted that recess 11-3 isnof a width and depth such that the yarn Y will not be damaged by the pinching;

action of plate 110 with the flange of ring 24. It isnoted that plate 110 is tormed of magneti'c material such that a traveler positioned in the contoured portion of head" portion 106a will be securely held in this position by the magnetic attraction of plate 110..

It is noted that bracket member 40 1s spaced rearwardly and downwardly from pivot pin 83 and thereby serves to limit clockwise pivotal movement of handle about pivot pin 83;

mally biased thereby into engagement with bracket member 40 with both traveler mounting member 100" and hammeractuating member disposed in the upper or inoperative position. V

A second yarn positioning member 1 15 is mounted at one end on traveler mounting memberby a screw 116 and extends outwardly therefrom and terminates in a free end portion. This free end portion is curved upward ly and then downwardly to provide a downwardly opening pocket such that the yarn Y will be moved to the upper most point thereof when the member moves'downwardly into engagement with the yarn. I

A traveler supply magazine 120 (FIGURE 5) is mount- 7 ed on a C-shaped bracket 121 which in turn is mounted on the top portion 32 of frame 31 by a pair of screWs'12 2. I Magazine :120 comprises an outer wall 123 of an oval. configuration in plan, a bottom wall 124,-a top cover 1251 portion of shaft forrotation therewith closely adja-- cent to the bearing portion 129. An agitator member 145 is mounted at one end "on collar 144 and has a substantially vertical portion 145d extending downwardly therefrom'anda portion 14%. which extends substantially parallel to the bottom Wall portion 124:; of compartment 127 and in close: proximity thereto. The outer end of agitator member 145 terminates in close proximity to the outer wall 123 of compartment 127; V a

- The bottom wall portion 124a of compartment 127 is provided with an opening 146 (FIGURE 7') of a configuration substantially the same as the outer configuration ofv a traveler. Y A guide member 147 is vertically adjustably mounted on the outer wall 123 of compartment 127,

by a screw 148 penetrating through a'vertically' disposed elongate opening 149 formed in'the outer wall 123' of com- 'partment 127. Guide member 147 is normally disposed It is further noted that the weight of the grip portions 82 and frame 81 is such that handle 80 is norin vertically spaced relation to the portion of bottom wall portion 124a in which opening l io isiformed adistance slightly greater than the height of a traveler when the same is disposed on its side. A single line of travelers may therefore pass under guide member .147 and se quentially fall through the. opening 146 if the same are properly oriented; Guide member 147 also serves the purpose; of deflecting all other travelers away from the opening 146.. It is noted that improperly oriented travelers in the line oftravelers passing under guide member and an intermediate wall 126'whi-ch divides magazine 120 into first and second compartments 12 7, 128, respectively. 7 The portion 124a of bottom wall 124 defining the bottom;

of compartment 127 has'the center portion thereof disposed at a higher elevation than theouter edges such'thatp. thesame slopes outwardly and downwardlyifrom the oenter portion. Compartment 12.7 is adapted to receive and contain a relatively large supply of travelers in'loose,

147 will pass over opening 146 without falling there-' through.

It is further noted that adjustment of guide member 147 relativeto bottom wall portion 124a permits travelers v of varying height to be properly oriented and fall through opening 146. In this regard, the weight of a' traveler of a given internal and external size is, varied by varying the height thereof when the traveler is lying on its side. Con-- ventionally, travelers of a given internal and external size may be provided in four or five different heights or weights. 5 i

- A traveler delivery disposed within the opening 14d and has a body portion 150a which. has a cross sectional configuration and size substantially'the same as the inner configurationand size of a traveler and aweb portion 150b'extending'laterally disarranged form and the outwardly sloping bottomtwall I causes these travelers to slide outwardly toward the outer Bottom wall portion 124a has a bearing portion 1 129 formed at the center portion thereof which has an opening therein which journals the lower end of a shaft 130 for rotation therein. The upper end portion of shaft 130 penetrates through a suitablebearing portion 131 formed 7 on the topcover 125. A knob '132 is mounted on theupper end of shaft 130 for manual rotation thereof.

A pulley 133 is drivingly mounted on the upper portion of shaft 130 on the opposite side of top cover 1251mm knob 132. Pulley I133 supports one end of a belt 134, the other end of which is drivingly supported by a drive pulley 135 mounted on the output shaft of an electric motor 136. Electric motor 136 is mounted on the outer wall 123 of compartment 128 and is powered by a pair of a dry cell batteries 137 also mounted on wall 123 (FIGURE 6), Batteries 16"] are connected togetherby a wire 138 and to the motor 136 by wires 139, 1 40 and 141 through a switch142. Switch 142 has an actuating element 143 extending through a suitable opening formed in the outer of a traveler to position body portion 156:: at substantially outwardly from the fiat portion of body portion 150a.

Web portion 150b'is of a thickness, slightly less than the 7 distance between the inner ends of the in-turned end portions of a traveler. The body 'portion 150a is adapted toreceive the travelers therearound with" the in-turned end portions on opposite sides of the web portion 15% to prevent the travelers from rotating around the body portion 159a and to thereby deliver the travelers in properly oriented position.

The upper endfof the web portion 15011 is'conn'ected to the medial portion of the fiat portion of the walls of openm'gl ld corresponding to the in-turned end portions the same height as thebottom wall'portion not of compartment 127. It is noted that when a traveler is moved 'along bottom wall portion 124a-by agitator 145 the same ber 1130 suchthat the travelers will slide off the lower end of rod with one side thereof against plate 111) and [a portion thereof in'the contoured portion of head portion 100a (FIGURE 3). Delivery rod 150 extends wall 123 of the compartment 128 for manual control thereof. compartment 127 is'of a lesser heightthan outerwall 123 to allow the belt 134 to pass thereover.

A collar v144 (FIGURE 5) is mounted on the lower It is noted that the intermediate wall 126 of. 7

through a traveler control mechanism 151 which controls. the delivery of travelersto traveler mounting member 106. Traveler control mechanism 151 (FIGURE 7) comprisesafhousing 152 including bottom, side and end walls rod 1.59 has. the upper end thereof.

152a, 152b, and 1520, respectively, and a top closure plate 153 which is removably mounted on the housing 152 by suitable screws 154. Closure plate 153 and bottom wall 152:: have suitable openings formed therein of a larger diameter than rod 153 and any travelers disposed thereon such that the travelers may pass freely through these openings on rod 150.

A first slide 155 (FIGURES 8-13) is slidably mounted in housing 152 and is of a length substantially equal to the width of the bottom Wall 1524; and of a height substantially the same as the height of side walls 152b. The end wall 1520 adjacent slide 155 and one end of slide 155 have recesses 156, 157, formed therein, respectively, which receive opposite ends of a compression spring 160 to bias slide 155 toward rod 150. Slide 155 has a portion thereof cut away to form a flange 161 of reduced thickness at the bottom thereof. Flange 161 has a recess 162 formed therein of a configuration substantially the same as the configuration of the portions of body portion 150a extending outwardly on opposite sides of web portion 150]; such that this portion of body portion 150a may be received in recess 162 with the edge of flange 161 abutting the side of web portion 15%. It is noted that slide 155 is normally positioned with flange 161 engaging rod 150 and with a stack of travelers T supported thereby.

A second slide 163 is slidably mounted in housing 152 on the opposite side of rod 150 from slide 155. Slide 163 has an elongate opening 164 formed therein into which penetrates a projection 165 formed on the closure plate 153. Projection 165 has a recess 166 formed there in which receives one end of a compression spring 167 therein and the opposite wall of opening 164 has a recess 163 formed therein which receives the other end of spring 167. It is noted that spring 167 serves to bias slide 163 away from rod 150. Slide 163 has a portion 170 extending through an opening formed in the end wall 1520 and which mounts an actuating member 171 at its other end. Actuating member 171 is disposed adjacent handle 59 and is adapted to be engaged by the operators thumb to move slide 163 toward rod 150 against the action of the spring 167.

A third slide 172 is slidably mounted in an elongate recess formed in the end of slide 163 adjacent rod 1150. Slide 172 is formed in two sections, i.e., a rear section 172a and a forward section 1721). Rear section 17211 is of a width substantially the same as the distance between side walls 1521b and a height substantially the same as the height of side walls 1521). Forward section 1721) is of substantially the same width but of lesser height than rear section 172a and has a dovetail key portion mounted in a cooperating vertically disposed dovetail groove formed in rear section 172k. Forward section 17% is thereby mounted for vertical adjustment on rear section 172a but slidably moves therewith. The dovetail key portion of forward section 1725 has a vertically disposed internally threaded opening therethrough which matingly receives a threaded shaft 173. Shaft 173 penetrates through elongate openings formed in bottom wall 152a and closure plate 153, respectively, which allow shaft 173 to move toward and away from traveler delivery rod 150.

A washer 174 is mounted on the lower end of shaft 173 on the opposite side of bottom wall 152a from slide 172 to journal shaft 173 for rotation in the elongate opening formed in bottom wall 152a. A knob 175 is drivingly mounted on the upper end of shaft 173 by a set screw 176 on the opposite side of closure plate 153 from slide 172 for manual rotation of shaft 173. Knob 175 has a flange 175a at its bottom end which has graduations thereon which cooperate with a base mark or pointer (not shown) on closure plate 153 to visually indicate the adjusted position of forward portion 17%.

Forward section 172!) has a portion thereof cut away toform a flange 177 adjacent the upper surface thereof.

Flange 177 has a recess 180 out therein of substantially the same configuration as recess 162. A compression spring 181 is mounted between slide 163 and the rear section 172a of slide 172 for biasing slide 172 toward rod 150. The movement of slide 172 relative to slide 163 is limited by a pair of inturned flanges 182 formed on the end of slide 163 adjacent traveler delivery rod 150, which flanges extend into the mouth of the recess, formed in slide 163. It is noted that flange 177 on the forward section 17% of slide 172 is disposed at a higher elevation than flange 161 relative to rod 150 a distance substantially equal to the height of a traveler resting on its side. It is further noted that the vertical distance between flange 177 and flange 161 is adjustable in the manner set forth above to permit control mechanism 151 to be used with travelers of varying heights.

In operation, when it is desired to replace the travelers T disposed on rings 24 by new travelers T apparatus is positioned on ring rail 23 in operative position relative to the first ring 24 thereon (FIGURES 1 and 3). To insure correct lateral alinement of apparatus 30 with the rings 24, the positioning members 36 are adjusted relative to the leg portions 33 and 34 in accordance with the particular size or width of the ring rail 23. Further to insure correct longitudinal and lateral alinement of apparatus 30 with the rings 24, the positioning finger 43 is adjusted longitudinally and laterally of bracket member in accordance with the size or diameter of the rings 24 mounted on ring rail 23.

As noted above, apparatus 30 is carried and held in position by an operator who grasps handle and manually positions the apparatus on ring rail 23 and holds the same in operative position. When the apparatus 30 is in -'operative position and correctly positioned relative to the first ring 24, the traveler T mounted on ring 24 is moved to a predetermined point thereon by pivoting trigger 65 about its pivot 67 against the action of spring 69 (FIG- URE 2). Trigger 65 slidably moves rack 62 and thereby rotates pinion 61. Pinion 61 rotates shaft which moves yarn tensioning finger into engagement with the yarn Y above yarn guide 25. Finger 60 applies tension to the yarn and causes partial unwinding'thereof from the bobbin B. Traveler T is thereby moved around ring 24 until the same engages the side of head portion 71a of hammer 71 (FIGURE 20). It is noted that yarn tensioning finger 60 preferably moves through'substantially the same are regardless of the initial position of traveler T on ring 24 but that the flexible nature thereof prevents the same from breaking the yarn when traveler T is initially positioned only a short distance from hammer 71.

When the traveler T thusly positioned and the yarn Y still under tension, a new traveler T is released by traveler control mechanism 151 by moving actuating member 171 (FIGURE 1). This moves slide 163 (FIGURES 8-13) of traveler control mechanism 151 toward traveler delivery rod against the action of spring 167. The end of slide 163 adjacent rod 150 is moved into engagement with slide which is in engagement with rod 150. It is noted that flange 161 on slide 155 normally has a stack of new travelers T resting thereon. As slide 163 is moved into engagement with slide 155, flange 177 on the forward section 1721) of slide 172 is moved into engagement with the stack of travelers resting on flange 161 and is moved between the bottom and penultimate travelers in the stack. Further movement of slide 163 moves slide 155 out of engagement with rod 150 and thereby moves flange 161 out of underlying relation to the bottom traveler. This allows the bottom traveler to fall downwardly through the opening in the bottom wall 152a of housing 152 and to travel along rod 150 to head portion 100a of traveler mounting member 100 (FIGURE 3). The remaining travelers in the stack are supported by flange 177 until flange 161 is again moved into underlying relation thereto.

When the traveler is delivered to head portion 100a,

11" the same is positioned in the contoured portion thereof and against plate 110 by the magnetic attraction thereof (FIGURE The operator then releases pressure on the actuating member 171 and allows spring 167to, move slide 163 toward the retracted position. As slide 163 moves toward the retracted position, spring 160 moves I slide 155 into contact with traveler delivery .rod 150 with a portion of the rod disposed in the recess'162 and flange. 161 in underlying relation to the stack of travelers on rod 150. It is'noted that spring 181 maintains the forward section 172b of slide'1'72 in 'engagement with traveler delivery rod 150 until flangeltil is moved into engagement with the rod 150. Withthe slide 155 in engagement With rod 150, slide 163 continues its movement to the retractedpo sition and thereby moves theforw ard section 17212 of slide 172 out of engagement with rod 150. This allows the stack of travelers to slide downwardly along rod 150 until the same come'to rest on flange 161 of slide 155."

If the stack of travelers disposed onrod150 is depleted beyond a predetermined number, the operator replenishes the stack by rotating shaft 130 (FIGURE 5) either by the knob 132 or closing switch '142 through actuatingele-i ment 143 to allowthe battery powered motor 136 to rotate the shaft 130'throu'gh pulleys 135, 133 and belt.134."

Rotation of shaft 130 rotates agitator element 145 in come partment 127 to move the travelers disposed therein over 7 defined by portion 750 thereof and extends upwardly into the pocket defined by the juncture point ofportions 75a and'75b. Second yarn positioning member 155 is moved into engagement with theyarn Y at a point spaced from first yarn'positioning member, 75 upon further pivotal movement of handle 80 (FIGURE 22); The configuration'of this member is such that the yarn Y is cammed into the highest point of the pocket defined by the end "portion'thereof which is normally disposed immediately.

above thegfiange of ring 24. The yarnY is thusly positioned on top of theflange of ring 24 and is held in this position so'that, when the travelerT is mounted on ring 24, the yarn is threaded thereunder.

' ;Pla'te110"isthen moved into contact with .the flange (FIGURES. I L-19), Further downward movement of moved downwardly in such a position relative to ring 2 4' head portion ltwa oftraveler mounting member 100 moves plate 110. upwardly against the. action of spring 112. Due to the positioning of head portion 100a slightly forward of the flange of ring24, the traveler T is w such that theinne'r portion of the flange of ring 24 enters traveler such that the in-turned end portion on one side the'bottom Wall portion 124a (FIGURE7); Some of" Y the travelers are moved beneath guide member 147and those travelers which are properly oriented fall through opening 146 in surrounding relation to the bodyportion 1590 of rod 150. ,It is noted that the operator may 'posi tion as many travelers on the rod as desired within the limits dictated by the length of rod 150 from the traveler control mechanism 152 and the bottom wall 124- of the;

magazine 120. I 1

With a traveler T correctly positioned on the head portion 100aof traveler mounting memberltltl, the operator grasps handle 80 andslides the same forwardly toward ring 24 against the "action of spring This sliding movement of the handle .80 positions thejtapered point. portion 90b of actuating member 90 in overlying relation to the rear portion 71b-of hammer 71. Also,,this forward.

sliding movement of handle 80 positionsthe headportion 100a 'oftraveler mounting memberltwinloverlying relation to ring 24 and slightly forwardly thereof such that pivotal movement of traveler member 100 will move the head portion 10tlainto traveler mounting position.

The operator then lifts upwardly on handle 80 and l thereby pivots the same about pivot pin 83. This pivotal movement moves the tapered end portion-90b of actu-..

ating member 90 into engagement with the top surface of rear portion 71b of hammer 71. Further pivotal movement of the handle 80 moves'hammer 71 in a clockwise direction about pivot pin 72, as seen in FIGURE 5, and

thereby moves the head portion 71a thereof upwardly. from the normal or first position wherein the sameisin close proximity to the upper surface of ring 24 (FIG- URE 4). .When the head portion 71a moves upwardly.

a sufiicient distance; the tension in the yarn Y moves the traveler T beneath head portion 71a and into engagement.

with traveler positioning wand 76.

Still further pivotal movement of I hammer actuating member 90and hammer 71 to such a relative position that the tapered end portion 99b of actu-- ating member 90 will be moved offof the rear portion:

When this occurs, spring 73 will- 71b of hammer 71. quickly return hammer 71 to its normal or first position and the head portion 714 will deliver a sharp blow to the Y i handle 80 moves 7 the space between the 'in turned end portions of the of the traveler is hooked under the-inner portion'of the flange on ring 24, Further downward and rearward movement of the head portion 100ayof traveler mounting member 100 causes the other .ineturned end portion of the traveler to engage the top surface of the flange of ring 24 and to be cammed away from theend portion the original position. Rack'62 is thereby returned to the" original position which rotatess'haft 55 and yarn tension- 7 ing finger 60 back'to the original position with the yarn tensioningfinger'out of engagement with the yarn Y.

The replacement of the traveler on the first ring 24 has then'beencomplete'df The operator then movesjapparatus "30 to .the' next adjacent ring 24 and the operation is repeated. i 7

-It is therefore apparent that a novel apparatus and method for replacing travelers on rings of yarn processing machines are provided wherein the travelers are rapidly removed and replaced'in one trip of an operator along the side of a textile machine and whereby the yarn is positioned so that the newtraveler is mounted on the ring with the yarn correctly positioned thereunder.

In the drawings andspecification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, al-

though specific terms are employed, they are used in a traveler T 'disposed therebeneath; 'This sharp blow will a fracture or break the traveler causing the pieces'thereof to. fall from the ring 24. a

. When the traveler T is thusly removed from the ring,'

theyarn Y that-was threaded therebeneath is captured by first yarn positioning member 75 (FIGURE 21) and is; held closely adjacent to the ringv flange. by the pocket.

generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of'limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims. i

Iclaimz' z: I I

li Apparatus for replacing travelers on ringsjof a yarn processing machine, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means-adapted to be positioned on the yarn pressing machine adjacent the. rings,

(b) means carriedby said framemeans for removing a traveler dispo'sed on the ring of the yarnrprgocessing machine, and j H i (0) means carried by saidframe meansand operative- 1y associated with' said traveler removing means for mounting a new traveler on the ring.

2; Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereonand nor.

of ring 24 and the yarn Y" is received in the recess 113 13 mally having yarns threaded under the travelers, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on the yarn processing machine adjacent the rings,

(b) means carried by said frame means for positioning a traveler disposed on a ring at a predetermined point thereon,

() means carried by said frame means adjacent said traveler positioning means for removing the thusly positioned traveler from the ring, and

(d) means carried by said frame means and operatively associated with said traveler removing means for mounting a new traveler on the ring.

3. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereon and normally having yarns threaded under the travelers, said apparatus comprising (a) means for removing a traveler disposed on the ring,

(b) means disposed adjacent said traveler removing means for positioning the yarn threaded under the traveler in superposed relation to the ring, and

(c) means operatively associated with said traveler removing means for positioning a new traveler on the ring over the thusly positioned yarn.

4. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings and travelers disposed on the rings having yarns threaded thereunder, said apparatus comprising (a) means for removing the traveler disposed on each of the rings,

(b) means for mounting a new traveler on each of the rings, and

(0) means interconnecting said traveler removing means and said traveler mounting means comprising manually operable means for actuating said traveler removing means and said traveler mounting means.

5. The structure recited in claim 4 wherein said means for removing the travelers comprises a movable hammer which is adapted to strike the travelers on the rings a blow of sufficient force to break the same.

6. The structure recited in claim 5 including spring means biasing said movable hammer toward a first position wherein said hammer is in contact with the ring when the apparatus is in operative position.

7 Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereon and normally having yarns threaded under the travelers, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on said yarn processing machine adjacent the rings,

(b) a hammer pivotally mounted on said frame means and adapted to strike the travelers on the rings a blow of sufficient force to break the same,

(c) spring means operatively connected to said hammer to bias said hammer toward a first position wherein said hammer is in close proximity to the upper surface of the ring when said frame means is in operative position on said yarn processing machine,

(d) means carried by said frame means for mounting a new traveler on the ring, and

(e) manually operable means connected to said traveler mounting means and engageable with said hammer for moving said hammer about its pivot to a second position spaced from said first position and against the action of said spring means while moving said traveler mounting means toward said ring, said manually operable means being disengaged from said hammer when said hammer reaches said second position to allow said spring means to quickly return said hammer to the first position, said manually operable means then moving said traveler mounting means into position to mount a new traveler on the rings.

8. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereon and nor- 14 mally having yarns threaded under the travelers, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on said yarn processing machine adjacent the rings, (b) means carried by said frame means for removing a traveler disposed on the ring, (c) a traveler mounting member mounted on said frame means for movement between a traveler receiving position and a traveler mounting position wherein said traveler mounting member is in contact with the ring for mounting a new traveler thereon, and (d) manually operable means carried by said frame means and operatively connected to said traveler removing means for actuating the same to remove the traveler disposed on the ring, said manually operable means being also operatively connected to said traveler mounting member for moving the same from said traveler receiving position to saidtraveler mounting position.

9. The structure recited in claim 8 wherein said traveler mounting member includes a contoured portion of a configuration substantially the same as the outer configuration of a portion of a traveler and is adapted to receive this portion of a traveler therein, and including a movable plate member carried by said traveler mounting member and constructed of magnetic material for attracting and releasably holding a traveled in position on said traveler mounting member for mounting on the ring.

10. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereon, said appara-.

tus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on said yarn processing machine adjacent the rings,

(b) means carried by said frame means for removing a traveler disposed on the ring,

(c) means carried by saidframe means and operatively associated with said traveler removing means for mounting a new traveler on the ring, and

(d) traveler supplying means mounted on said frame means and operatively associated with said traveler mounting means for sequentially delivering travelers thereto in properly oriented position for mounting on the ring.

11. The structure recited in claim 10 wherein said traveler supplying means comprises a magazine adapted to contain a supply of travelers in loose disarranged form, and traveler delivery means communicating with the interior of said magazine and operatively associated with said traveler mounting means for sequentially delivering travelers from said magazine to said traveler mounting means.

12. The structure recited in claim 11 wherein said magazine is carried by said frame means at a higher elevation than said traveler mounting means and wherein said traveler delivery means comprises a traveler delivery rod having one end communicating with the interior of said magazine and the other end positioned closely adjacent to said traveler mounting means for delivering travelers thereto, and traveler control means disposed intermediate the ends of said traveler delivery rod for effecting sequential delivery of travelers to said traveler mounting means.

13. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereon, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on said yarn processing machine adjacent the rings,

(b) means carried by said frame means for removing a traveler disposed on the ring,

(c) means carried by said frame and operatively associated with said traveler removing means for mounting a new traveler on the ring,

(d) a magazine mounted on said frame means at a higher elevation than saidtraveler mounting means; i

and adapted to contain larger supply of travelers in loose, disarranged form, a (e) a traveler, delivery rod mounted on said magazine at one endand having the other end positioned close- 1y adjacentto said traveler mountingmeans, said one end'of said traveler delivery rod communicating with the interior of said magazine and beingv adapted to receive travelersthereon from said magazine, 7 (f), means, disposed in'said magazine for positioning travelers on said traveler delivery ro'd inproperly oriented 'position for delivery to said traveler mounting means, and V v y (g) traveler control means disposed intermediate the ends of said traveler delivery rod for effecting sequential delivery of travelers to said traveler mounting means. r w

14. The structure recited in claim 13 wherein said I magazine includes side and'bottom' walls and saidl rneans fonpositioning travelers onsaid traveler delivery -rod comprises an agitator rotatably mountedwithin saidmagazine for moving the travelersdisposed therein around: within the magazine over the bottom wall thereof, the bottom wall of said magazine having an. opening therein of a configuration substantially thersame as theexterior configuration of a traveler so that a properly oriented traveler may fall therethrougli, said traveler delivery rod 1 having one end disposed in saidopening in the bottomwallof said magazine, and guide means carried'by the side wall of said magazine and spaced a distance above the portion of the bottom wall having said opening therein to correspond to the height of a traveler disposed on its side such that only a single traveler may pass thereunder at a-time. 7

15. The structure recited in claim 13, wherein said traveler control means comprises a first slide having a traveler delivery'rod. contacting portion, said first slide being movable from a first position in which the 'rod con-' tacting portion thereof is positioned in engagementw'ith said rod and, serves to support the travelers-disposed thereon in stacked relation to-a second position in which i the rod contacting: portion is spaced from said 'rodrand out of underlying relation tov the stack of travelers idis-r posed thereon, a second slidehavinga travelerdelivery rod contacting portion; said secondslide being movable from atfirst position in'whichthe rod. contacting portion thereof is disposed out ofengagement with saidrod Itofa second. position in whichvtherod contactingportion'is in engagement with said. rod, thetraveler. deli-very rod contacting portion of said secondslide-being disposed at a higher elevation than the rod contacting portion of said first slide a distance substantiallyhequaleto theheight of a traveler in the stack of travelers disposed onsaid traveler a. delivery rod, and meansfor moving said second slide from said first position to saidrsecond position so that the'rod contacting portion thereof engages thetraveler delivery,

rod between the penultimate and last travelers in the stack of travelers disposed thereon and supported by the rod contacting portion of said first slide and for .seqnen-,

tially moving said firstrslide fromsaid first position'to the g second position to move the rod contacting portion there: I

of from beneath said last traveler to allow thegsame to" be delivered by said traveler delivery rod to said. traveler mounting means while the remaining travelers in the stack are retained by the rod contacting portion'of said second slide, said latter means'then returning said first slide from the second position to the first position and sequentially returningthe second slide from the second p'osition to the first position; i n r Y Y 16. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings 'with travelers disposed thereon,-said apparatus comprising v (a) frame means adapted to berpositioned on saidyarn processing machine adjacent the rings,

, b) means carried by said frame means for removing ing machine,

(c) means carried by said frame means and operativelyassociated with said traveler. removing means for mounting a new traveler on the ring, a (d) v a magazine mounted on said frame means at a higherelevation than said traveler mounting means and adaptedto. contain a large supply ofvtravelers in loose, disarranged form, said magazine including side and bottom walls with said bottom wall having an opening therein of, a configuration substantially the same as the exteriorconfiguration of a traveler so'that a traveler may fall therethrough when properly, oriented, f i r (e), a traveler delivery rod having one end thereof disposed in the opening in the bottom wall vof said maga- "I zine and theother end'disposed closely adjacent to the 'definin'gvthe' flat side; of the opening in the bottom wall of said magazine, 7

(f) an agitator rotatably mounted within'said magazine in closely spaced relation to the upper surface of the bottom wall for moving the travelers in the magazine over the bottom wall,

(g) a guide member adjustably mounted on the side wall of the magazine in "overlying relation to the portion of the bottom wall having the opening therein, said guide memberbeing spaced from said bottom walla distance corresponding to the height of a traveler: disposed on its side and adjustment of said a guidemer'nber allowing the distance betweenthe guide memberand the bottom Wall to be varied to accommodate :travelers of varying height, said guide mern-- 'ber and bottom wall cooperating to Y allow; only a single traveler to pass therebetween atwa time so that properly oriented'travelcrs may fall i through" the opening in surrounding relation to the bodyportion of the traveler delivery rod with thel inturned end portions thereof'disposed on opposite sides of'the;

web portion, and

(h) traveler control means disposed intermediatethe ends of said traveler delivery rod and comprising (l) a firstslide having-a; traveler delivery rod contacting portion and being movable from a first position in which the rod contacting portion is 'inengagement with said rod to supportthe travelers disposed .thereon in stacked .relation and a secondposition in which the rod contacting portion is out of engagement with said rod and out oftunderlying relation to the travelers disposed thereon, i Y 7 (2) a second'slide having a traveler deliver ydrod contacting portionand; beingmovable from a first'positionin which the rod contactin g portion is out of engagement with said traveler delivery :rod to a second position in which the rod contacting portion is in, engagementwith said traveler delivery rod, the rod contacting portion of said second slidebeing disposed at a higherelevation than;the rod contacting portion of said first; slide 1 a distance a substantially equal to the height of oneitraveler. the stack of travelers disposed on said deliveryv rod, the I delivery rod contacting-portion of said second slide beingadjustablyrnounted onthe .remainingvportion of said second slide softhat the elevationathereof relative to the rod contacting portion of said first slide may be varied to accommodate travelers of varying height, and

(3) means for moving said second slide from said first position to said second position to move the rod contacting portion thereof into engagement with said delivery rod between the penultimate and last travelers in the stack of travelers disposed on said rod and for sequentially moving said first slide from said first position to the second position to move the rod contacting portion thereof from beneath said last traveler to allow the same to move along said rod to said traveler mounting means, said latter means then returning said first slide from the second position to the first position to move the rod contacting portion thereof into engagement with said rod and sequentially returning said second slide from the second position to the first position to allow the stack of travelers to move downwardly onto the rod contacting portion of said first slide.

17. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having a ring rail, rings carried by said ring rail and travelers disposed on the rings, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on said ring rail adjacent the rings,

(b) means carried by said frame means for removing a traveler disposed on the ring of the yarn processing machine,

(c) means carried by said frame means and operatively associated with said traveler removing means for mounting a new traveler on the ring, and

(d) positioning means adjustably carried by said frame means and engageable with the ring rail and rings for correctly positioning and alining said traveler removing means and said traveler mounting means relative to the rings, adjustment of said positioning means relative to said frame means permitting the traveler removing means and traveler mounting means to be correctly positioned and alined with rings of varying size and ring rails of varying width.

18. The structure recited in claim 17 wherein said positioning means includes a bifurcated member which is adapted to engage the outer surface of the rings and is adjustably mounted on said frame means to position and aline the traveler removing means and traveler mounting means with varying diameter rings.

19. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereon, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on said yarn processing machine adjacent the rings,

(b) a hammer pivotally mounted on said frame means for movement between a first position wherein said hammer is in close proximity to the upper surface of said rings when said frame means is in operative position on said yarn processing machine, and a second position spaced from said first position,

(c) spring means operatively connected to said hammer for biasing the same toward said first position, and

(d) manually operable means carried by said frame means and engageable with said hammer for moving said hammer from said first position to said second position, said manually operable means being disengaged from said hammer when the same reaches said second position to allow said spring means to return said hammer to the first position with sufiicient force to break any traveler disposed in the path of travel thereof.

20. Apparatus for use with a yarn processing machine having rings with travelers disposed thereon, said apparatus comprising (a) frame means adapted to be positioned on said yarn processing machine adjacent the rings,

(b) means carried by said frame means and movable between a traveler receiving position and a position in engagement with said rings for mounting a traveler on the rings,

(c) a magazine carried by said frame means and adapted to contain a large supply of travelers in loose, disarranged form,

(d) a traveler delivery rod having one end communicating with the interior of said magazine and adapted to receive travelers therefrom and having the other end thereof operatively associated with said traveler mounting means for delivering travelers thereto, and

(e) traveler control means disposed intermediate the ends of said rod for controlling the sequential delivery of travelers to said traveler mounting means.

21. A method of replacing travelers on the rings of a yarn processing machine having a yarn threaded under the traveler disposed on the ring, said method comprising the steps of (a) positioning the traveler at a predetermined point on the ring,

(b) removing the traveler on the ring while controlling the yarn threaded thereunder to position the yarn in superposed relation to the ring, and

(c) mounting a new traveler on the ring over the thusly positioned yarn.

22. A method of replacing travelers on the rings of a yarn processing machine having a yarn threaded under the traveler disposed on each of the rings, said method comprising the steps of (a) positioning the traveler at a on the initial ring,

(b) removing the traveler on this ring,

(0) mounting a new traveler on this ring while threading the yarn thereunder, and

(d) repeating the above steps for each of the remaining rings of the yarn processing machine in succession.

23. A method of replacing travelers on the rings of a yarn processing machine, said machine having a bobbin extending axially through each of the rings for winding yarn thereon, the yarn normally extending outwardly from the bobbin under the traveler disposed on the ring and then upwardly therefrom to a point above the bobbin, said method comprising the steps of (a) tensioning the yarn on the opposite side of the traveler from the bobbin at a point above the bobbin to unwind a portion thereof from the bobbin and to cause the traveler to move around the ring,

(b) stopping the traveler at a predetermined point on the ring,

(c) removing the traveler from the ring while controlling the yarn threaded thereunder to position the yarn in superposed relation to the ring, and

(d) mounting a new traveler on the ring over the thusly positioned yarn.

24. A method of replacing travelers on the rings of a yarn processing machine, said machine having a bobbin extending axially through each of the rings for winding yarn thereon, the yarn normally extending outwardly from the bobbin under the traveler disposed on the ring and then upwardly therefrom through a thread guide to a set of drafting rolls, said method comprising the steps of (a) tensioning the yarn above the thread guide to unwind a portion thereof from the bobbin and to thereby cause the traveler to move around the ring,

(b) stopping the traveler at a predetermined point on the ring,

(c) striking the traveler a sharp blow of sufficient force to fracture the same to remove the traveler from the ring and to release the yarn threaded thereunder,

(d) controlling the thusly released yarn to position the same in superposed relation to the ring,

predetermined point (e) mounting a new traveler on the ring over the thusly positioned yarn, and

V (f) repeating the above steps .for eaeh' of the remaining rings of the yarn proees singirnachine; ineucce'ssion. '25. A method ofreplacing travelers onrings of a yarn processing machine, said yarn processing machine having I; (b) interposing a stop in the path of the traveler at a predetermined point on the ring to stop the traveler at the predetermined point and to thereby position the samefor removal; s o (c) striking the thusly positioned traveler a sharp blow to break the traveler and remove the same from the ring while maintaining the yarn under tension,

(d) positioning the tensioned yarn in superposed relation to the ring upon removal of thetraveler and (.e) mounting *a'new traveler on the ring over the thusly positioned yarn,

26. Apparatus for replacing travelers on the rings; of

a'yarn processing machine, said yarn processing machine having abobbin extending axially through each of the rings for-the winding of yarn on the bobbin, the yarn normally extending outwardlytrom the bobbin under'thei traveler disposed on the ring and then upwardly there- I from to a point above the bobbin, said apparatus comprising 20 (a) tensioning means movable-into engagement with the yarn on the side of' the: traveler remote from the bobbin and at a pointaboveythebobbin for tensioning the yarn tomove the traveler around the ring, (b) stop means disposed adjacentthe ring and in the path of the traveler for stopping the traveler at a predetermined point on the ring to position the same for removal, j V (c)- means disposed-adjacent said stop means for striking the thusly positioned traveler a sharp blow to 7 break the same andpto thereby remove the traveler front-the ring v I I a a (d) 'means disposed adjacent said stop means and cooperating with said tensioning means for positioning the yarn tensioned by said tensioning means in super 7 posed relation'tothe ring, and v (e) means disposed adjacent said yarn positioning means (d) for mounting anew travelerfon the ring over the thusly positioned yarn.

References Cited by the E xaminer' UNITED STATES, PATENTS 1,93 1,690

10/33 Gilligan 29207 2,055,440 9/36 Johns 29-207 2,094,5l7 9/;37 Ardreoli 29-207 2,418,209 4/47 Watts 29207 2,448,147 8/48. Jacobsen 29413 2,594,810 4/52 Schaub et al 29-401 2,752,668 7/56 Sheen 29-401 $3,054,248 9/62.

Austel 57 34 WHITMORE A. WILTZ,[Primary- Examiner. Y THOMAS EAGER, Examiner;

UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 191, 284 June 29, 1965 Edward E Eurey It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 6, line 62, after "limited" insert pivotal column 12, line 67, for "pressing" read processing column 14 line 28, for "traveled" read traveler Signed and sealed this 18th day of January 1966.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. APPARATUS FOR REPLACING TRAVELERS ON RINGS OF A YARN PROCESSING MACHINE, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING (A) FRAME MEANS ADAPTED TO BE POSITIONED ON THE YARN PRESSING MACHINE ADJACENT THE RINGS, (B) MEANS CARRIED BY SAID FRAME MEANS FOR REMOVING A TRAVELER DISPOSED ON THE RING OF THE YARM PROCESSING MACHINE, AND (C) MEANS CARRIED BY SAID FRAME MEANS AND OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID TRAVELER REMOVING MEANS FOR MOUNTING A NEW TRAVELER ON THE RING.
 21. A METHOD OF REPLACING TRAVELERS ON THE RINGS OF A YARN PROCESSING MACHINE HAVING A YARN THREADED UNDER THE TRAVELER DISPOSED ON THE RING, SAID METHOD COMPRISING THE STEPS OF (A) POSITIONING THE TRAVELER AT A PREDETERMINED POINT ON THE RING, (B) REMOVING THE TRAVELER ON THE RING WHILE CONTROLLING THE YARN THREADED THEREUNDER TO POSITION THE YARN IN SUPERPOSED RELATION TO THE RING, AND (C) MOUNTING A NEW TRAVELER ON THE RING OVER THE THUSLY POSITIONED YARN. 